About Council #9053

Knights of Columbus: A Legacy of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Since 1882

Thanks to the efforts of venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

From his own experience, McGivney recognized the devastating effect on immigrant families of the premature death of the father and wage earner. Many Catholics were still struggling to assimilate into the American economy so he, with a small group of parishioners, as a mutual aid society, began to provide financial assistance in the event of the men’s deaths to their widows and orphans. The organization developed as a fraternal society. McGivney was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.

The Knights of Columbus was among the first groups to recruit blood donors, with formal efforts dating to 1937 during the Great Depression.

Officers and Directors

1

SK Kenneth Hidenfelter

Grand Knight
2024-2025

OCEAN CITY COUNCIL #9053 2024-2025 OFFICERS
Chaplain, Father and SK Lance Martin 410-289-0652
Grand Knight, SK Kenneth Hidenfelter 410-703-2623
Deputy Grand Knight, SK John Sharkey, DGK 610-329-5651
Chancellor, Chuck Lutz 410-208-3065
Warden, SK Wayne Straight 302-988-1683
Recorder, Chris Bean 301-440-0865
Financial Secretary, SK Dale Shepard 952-807-3239
Treasurer, SK Thomas Foglesong 240-353-0681
Lecturer, David Dancer 240-506-7857
Advocate, SK Bill Van Horn 301-461-3660
Inside Guard, SK Richard Thomas 610-304-9773
Outside Guard, SK Richard Fox 443-966-2200
TRUSTEES
3 Yr SK Thomas Herwig 410-960-9019
2 Yr SK Charles O'Brien 302-988-1498
1 Yr SK Deacon Joseph Carraro 410-250-8237
CONVENTION DELEGATES
SK Kenneth Hidenfelter, GK 410-703-2623
SK Thomas Herwig, FN, PGK 410-960-9019
Alt. Delegate, SK Wayne Straight, PGK, PFN 302-988-1863
Alt. Delegate, Open
Exemplification Team Captain SK John Sharkey, DGK 610-329-5651
CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS/MANAGERS
Bar Manager, SK Richard Thomas 610-304-9773
Bingo, SK Thomas Anderson 410-641-5752
Charity Committee Chairman, SK Joe Kostelac 410-250-5665
Faith Director, SK Steve Mastbrook 302-604-2694
Community Director, SK Thomas Herwig 410-960-9019
Computer Specialist, John Rubino 301-938-9239
Family Director, SK John Sharkey 610-329-5651
Hall Rental Manager, SK Richard Thomas 610-304-9773
Kitchen Manager, SK Kevin Hughes 410-726-8946
Knight Times Editor, SK Thomas Foglesong 240-353-0681
Membership Director, Jack Kelly 410-258-5663
Life Director, SK Kevin Hughes 410-726-8956
Program Director, John-Paolo Celozzi 443-859-7666
Public Relations, SK Thomas Foglesong 240-353-0681
Retention Director, Jack Kelly 410-258-5663
Sick and Distressed, Chuck Lutz 410-208-3065
Ways & Means Chair, SK Thomas Foglesong 240-353-0681
Youth Director, SK Eddie Mardaga 443-220-5286
Youth Director, SK John Sharkey 610-329-5651

Welcome from the Grand Knight...

My name is Ken Hidenfelter, I am the Grand Knight of Council 9053 Ocean City MD. In the
Knights of Columbus organization, each council has a Grand Knight, similar to a company CEO.
There are thirteen Officers that ensure that we are true to our core values of Charity, Unity, and
Fraternity. I joined the Knights because a friend invited me. It was not just the invitation but what
he said: “as a Knight I would be part of something greater than myself”. As a Catholic man with
a family of three children I was doing all the right things, but something was missing in my
spiritual life. I did not have a group of friends with the same Catholic values and parenting
beliefs. What I found after I became a Knight was a group of men with like values and morals,
who cared about the Church, family, and our country. I met men who had different backgrounds,
age differences, and different family experiences. Looking back, I wished I had joined the
Knights earlier in my life. I would have had a group that would have given me support in
Catholic parenting and marriage. The charitable fundraising activities answered my internal
search of how I can answer Jesus’s call to help those in need and less fortunate then myself.
My charity effort along with the men in the Council is a multiplier in Charity giving. The
fellowship I experience with my fellow Knights is rewarding. As you surf our website, maybe you
will find areas that interest you or fill a need that you have been searching for. It is easy, send a
note to talk to a brother or click on the join button. You will be amazed at the changes that will
happen in your life, God Bless.

Weekly Update from the Grand Knight

26 May 2025

                     

Worthy Brothers,

Let us continue to pray for our Brothers, Lady Knights and families that need our prayers. Also, for any deceased Brothers and Lady Knights and their families. A prayer is needed for the families across America that have lost a son or daughter in defending America. As we live the American dream let’s remember freedom is not free. Those who serve or have served let us thank them in prayer.

The thank you section:

** Thank the Ladies Auxiliary for the beautiful May Crowning last Monday. Beautiful day, for our Beautiful Mother. We also for the first time had a color guard posted on either side of the statute, our support to the Auxiliary. If you have missed it, make a mental note to attend next year.

** Thank the Brothers who came out and supported the spring clean-up of “OUR HALL”. Sometimes we forget that it is our council home. What have you done lately to make it a place that reflects our mission.

** Thank you for all those who helped make “Our” Community Awards night a big success. SK Tom Herwig, as MC, did a fantastic job that reflected our commitment to the Ocean City community. Community awards: Ocean City Volunteer and Career firefighters of the year, Ocean City Paramedic of the year, Ocean City Police of the year, Ocean City Prosecutor of the year, MBSS Teacher of the year, Ocean City station US Coastguard of the year, Casino Downs Promotion manager for the support with the food drive last fall for The Joseph House.

** Lady and Knights awards: SK Richard Fox, Knight of the year; Kimberly Bean, Lady Knight Auxiliary woman of the year, Brother Neil and Kathy Foote, Legacy award for their decades of service. Two Lady Knights appreciation awards to Shirley Gorwick and Bernadette Sohn for managing the Eats and Treats at BINGO.

** Thank you SK Wayne Strait for the beautiful Memorial ceremony at the Church Flagpole. A ceremony to remember and to never forget our American heroes.

Spring Fling Deck Party, Saturday May 31 from 5-9 PM. In case you did not hear or read about it, the Party is FREE. Bring a dish or snack to share and get two drink coupons for beer, wine or soda. If you have not been to “OUR HALL”, come on out, the band will be playing our music, catch up with old friends or make new ones. Let’s have the best turnout ever for an event, why not its free and you don’t have to work…

Quick look at the week:

Vivat Jesus

Ken  Hidenfelter Grand Knight

Lord, what are WE going to do today!

Knights’ motto: Make a difference in someone’s life

 

Events for May 2025

Communications

The council meeting minutes are not available for viewing on our website at this time

The Knight Times is not available for viewing on our website at this time. 

Friday Night Bingo
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. If 3 or more players would like to sit to gather come early.
Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.
Cost to Play $25.00, one card for every game.
Additional games are $1.00 per card 6 cards for $5.00. There are 26 games. The $1000 Jackpot is the last game. There are pull-tab games from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at $1 per card. There are 50/50 games from 4:30 p.m. through half-time.
Prizes are based on:
numbers of players.
Some on sales, some on ball count.
Average prizes each night are over $2000.
Food offered/available before and at half-time.
Bingo night ends about 9:30 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.

Click on the specific event for further details...

Next Council Meeting

Wednesday February 5, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will take place at the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Hall:

9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

Members are encouraged to attend and participate. The agenda and related documents will be available for review via email and the meeting minutes will be available on our website.

Contact Us

We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Additional Contact Information

If you prefer to contact us directly, you can reach us through the following means:

Location

9901 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD, 21842

Phone

(410) 524-7994

Follow Us

Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference

The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Scroll to Top